On my way to the van, I promise myself that no matter how much my heart breaks or I want to run back into their arms, I’ll never go back to the men who pushed me away the second I was forced to show them the real me, or who can’t even apologize properly since they don’t understand what they did wrong in the first place.
They didn’t want what I had to offer.So what if I’m more than they could see?I still deserve to be treated with respect.
Screw them.
I can take care of myselfandbe by myself. I always have.
Tally was right. I found my home here.
And I won’t let them drive me away from it.
EIGHT
As I pushthe shopping cart through the narrow aisles of the small supermarket, I reread the list I made earlier. At the bottom of itenergy drinksis written in Nash’s sloppy handwriting.
You wish.
Lio is sitting in the basket, humming a tune. It warms my heart to see him looking healthier and happier now, his blond hair bouncing as he sways in the cart with an energy I’m not used to from him.
Sloan was right. North should have never let him stay alone with me in the hospital while they were looking for her. I had him, of course, and he was in good hands, but still. He can be glad Lio still likes him, that his arms reached for North when he came to pick us up, and he didn’t resent him.
Lio is a real trooper. The medication is working perfectly, and the doctors agreed without a fuss when we told them we wanted to take him home. He would have been released the next day anyway since he was doing amazingly well.
As we round a corner into the candy aisle, his eyes light up. “Uncle Hunt, can I have some sweets, please?” he asks, those big, innocent eyes locking onto a colorful display of chocolates.
I chuckle and ruffle his hair. “Sure thing, bud. Pick out something you like.”
I could use some too.The urge to eat my feelings is heavy.
They said she didn’t look good, that she looked like she was suffering, that she had lost weight.
And it’s because of me.
I promised to be there for her, never push her away, and make sure she was fine. I did all this, fucked her and promised her a home, only to turn around and do just what she feared I would, exactly what she told me she was afraid would happen.
I confirmed her insecurities.
And I fucking hate myself for it.
I wasn’t even there to apologize to her when the others were.
As Lio excitedly examines the chocolates, I notice a familiar figure standing a little farther down the aisle.Tally. She’s staring at me with an expression that could freeze boiling water. My heart sinks, and I have to swallow hard but push the cart closer to her, which prompts her to turn to leave.
“Tally, please…” I start. “I just want to apologize for my brothers. They shouldn’t have barged into your restaurant like that. I’m sorry. It wasn’t really thought out.”
Tally’s icy gaze doesn’t soften, but she does respond, “It’s fine, Hunt. I understand. But that doesn’t mean your ban is getting lifted.”
The guys told me about how Tally basically kicked their asses, and I’m a little proud of her. Jessie always said Tally needed to learn to stand up for herself. It looks like she’s standing up for Sloan just fine.
“Hello, Tally,” Lio greets sweetly, waving at her.
She smiles at him and greets, “Hey, Lio,” before her gaze turns to me, icy once more.
“That’s fine. I’m staying away, but I just wanted to apologize. I don’t want this standing between us. I know we haven’t reallytalked since… Jessie, but I still like you, and I still think of you as a friend.” Tally’s expression softens slightly, and she nods in agreement.
“Same, Hunt.”
I take a deep breath, relieved she’s not entirely closed off. “I would like to be good friends again, not worse. So please don’t hate me for this.”
